A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Cannabis in Canada

Canada was among the first few countries to legalize cannabis for recreational purposes. It has been legal over two years now, but the system can still be confusing for some people.

Purchasing legal cannabis means Canadians can now walk into a physical store or find an online store officially sanctioned by your provincial government. Nevertheless, many grey market dispensaries still exist both in the online and offline world. It’s important to know that consumers are entirely safe from prosecution when buying and using both grey and legal cannabis.

The Canadian cannabis laws made it legal as of October 17, 2018, for adults who are 19 years of age or older to possess, use, and share up to 30 grams of legal cannabis. Fresh cannabis or cannabis oil can either be bought from a provincially-licensed retailer or federally-licensed producers online.

Individuals can also grow up to four cannabis plants per residence for personal use and make cannabis products from the same without using organic solvents.

The explosion in cannabis popularity has led to an explosion in cannabis products as well. THC and CBD can enter the body in so many ways- vaping, smoking, ingesting, and through the skin. Hence, it can be used to make a lot of products. However, certain products seem to be more prominent or on the rise than others. Here are 6 THC product recommendations for new users.

• Oils: Cannabis oil is a versatile compound, as it can be taken by itself in several different forms. CBD oil contains low traces of THC. Thus, it won’t give you the high that’s generally linked to marijuana. Additionally, it helps with pain, anxiety, and nausea relief without psychoactive reasons.
• Butters: THC butter, also known as cannabutter, is cannabis-infused butter used to make cannabis edibles, especially baked goods like brownies and cookies. Depending on the intended use, cannabutter may contain only CBD, which isn’t psychoactive, or both CBD and THC, which results in mind-altering properties.
• Tinctures: Made by pulling THC and other compounds from the plant using alcohol, a tincture is a kind of cannabis extract that is ingested by dropping under the tongue. They are easier to dose, and the effect kicks in quicker than an edible.
• Gummies: Local dispensaries across Canada are sure to have gummy bears, worms, and more to choose from, whether with just CBD or with THC as well. It is one of the most common options for people looking for a treat. Some gummies are THC dominant for a long-lasting high while others are CBD dominant for medicinal purposes.
• THC Chocolate: The most popular edible options, THC chocolates, are perfect for those who want to try legal weed but in a more refined method than smoking a joint. These chocolates are sold in a limited fashion as they contain THC.
• Cannabis-infused Drinks: Cannabis beverages, especially cocktails infused with cannabis, are still in their infancy. Across Canada, some dispensaries sell cannabis cola and fruit punch. Also, multiple cafés sell cannabis-infused coffees, hot teas, flat waters, iced teas, and more. Beer is another drink that is most used for CBD experiments, as terpenes in cannabis offer different aromas and tastes.

The beverages come in a variety of strengths, from pure CBD drinks to heavy-hitting THC options. According to industry-experts, cannabis-infused drinks are low-calorie, gluten-free, and produce no hangover.

Often many first-time users’ cannabis experience tends to be not so pleasant because they try the wrong strain or cannabis product. Maybe they had a gummy with far more THC than they could tolerate, or it was a super stoney strain that made them locked to the couch.

Choosing the right strain can hence make the difference between loving or hating cannabis. Here are the cannabis strains best for new users.

• Harlequin: Known as the super relaxed strain, this early hybrid is known for its calming properties. It is a Sativa-dominant hybrid and a descendant of Columbian Gold, Swiss Landrace, and Thai strains. Harlequin makes a perfect option for first-timers as it packs an exceptional CBD ratio of 5:2 and relaxes the body by easing aches and pains.
• Pennywise: Pennywise is a cross between Harlequin and Jack the Ripper with a perfect balance of THC and CBD, as close to 1:1 as it can get. This Indica-dominant strain is also a super-efficient form of medical marijuana and is ideal for those who want to experience milder psychoactive high.
• Plushberry: Plushberry is another moderate THC strain that will ease novice weed smokers into the THC experience without giving a too-powerful high.
• AC/DC: AC/DC is an excellent strain for metalheads. It’s also a high CBD, low THC strain like Harlequin. Ac/DC will help you relax and slowly work your way into the marijuana users’ world.
• Jack Herer: Jack Herer is for those who want to try something a little higher in THC. With moderate THC levels, it will not set off some of the drug’s more potent side effects such as paranoia and anxiety

Presently, Canada is home to more than 100 physical stores that sell legal cannabis products. Large dispensaries typically have their growers, and small dispensaries source their weed from local growers. Users can also purchase pot from provincial government stores.

However, there still aren’t enough stores to meet the demand for high-quality cannabis. For this reason, many Canadians resort to online cannabis stores.

With the new regulations in place, Canadians can now purchase weed from Canadian online dispensaries. It is considered a convenient way as people can order pot from the comfort and privacy of their home and have it discreetly delivered to their door.

Nevertheless, several factors should be considered when purchasing cannabis online. For instance, how big is the company? Is the company licensed by the government to sell cannabis? Do they offer a secure checkout process? Furthermore, you should also consider the price and product quality.
As a rule of thumb, research the companies in great detail before deciding to purchase your cannabis.